The elderly man declared, leaning against the bars of his cell, “Abel is my preferred member of the royal family.”
I frowned; it was peculiar that Abel had never disclosed having a friend in prison, particularly since he was here the other day.
“You are fortunate to consider him a friend,” he remarked.
He is a prince. “Not a friend,” I clarified. “Princes cannot befriend maids.”
“Who asserts this?”He emitted laughter.
“States everyone.” It is one of the principal rules,” I informed him.
“Do not the royal family deserve friends as well?”He enquired.
“Indeed, however, in their hierarchy,” I informed him. “Prince Abel is an exceptional individual, yet a maid cannot be regarded as his companion.”
The man paused momentarily to contemplate my words.
“The royal family resembles you and me,” he stated gently. “However, their sole concern is power and its acquisition.” They exhibit indifference towards both humans and wolves. They are solely concerned with their own interests. However, Abel has consistently been distinct. He was indifferent to power and wealth. His childhood was deprived of him. Nevertheless, he remains a child at heart. I believe that is the reason I am fond of the young boy.
I could not suppress a smile. I finally acquired sufficient strength to sit up, utilising the cell bars for support.
“Take it easy,” the elderly man remarked. “Thus, Prince Jayce…” Do you have no concern for him whatsoever?
I had to suppress a laugh; I had no regard for Jayce whatsoever. He clearly held no concern for me, and I would not dismiss the possibility that he might wish to imprison me indefinitely or orchestrate my demise. However, for the sake of my conscience, I could not permit Jack, or anyone else, to believe that Jayce was implicated in Vera’s death.
That would be unjust to him.
“I doubt Vera was the primary target,” I remarked, disregarding his inquiry.
He scowled and inclined his head towards me.
“Oh?”He enquired.
“The toxin was present in the soup intended for the queen,” I elucidated. “I observed an Aconitum flower in the soup.”
“The queen is allergic to Aconitum,” he stated, allowing my words to register.
“I am aware, thus I exchanged the bowls.” I did not believe it was poisoned either, I asserted.
“Discuss misfortune,” he murmured.
I nodded and gazed at my lap; blood was oozing through my garments. As I repositioned myself, I grimaced in pain and ceased all movement.
“May I assist you with your injuries?””He enquired.”
I scowled and gazed at him.
Could you assist me?”I enquired, “How?”
He picked up a small, sharp rock that had been beside him, which I had not observed until that moment.
I gasped as he lacerated the palm of his hand with the sharp edge of the rock, blood accumulating in his hands.
“Here,” he stated, forming a cup with his hands and extending them from his cell towards me. “Form your hands into a cup and present them to me.”
I gazed at him with curiosity and considerable confusion; however, there was an inexplicable quality about him that inspired trust. I felt compelled to comply with his request, so I cupped my hands and extended them towards him through my cell.
We maintained an optimal distance, allowing him to reach me. I sensed the warmth of his blood flowing into my cupped hands.
“Apply it to your injuries,” he instructed.
I commenced with my legs, applying the blood to the bruises and sensitive areas, then progressed upward along my body.
I reserved the remaining small amount for my face, applying it liberally to ensure that only my body appeared soiled rather than stained with blood.
I inhaled sharply as my bruises began to diminish and the pain alleviated almost immediately. I placed my fingers on my face, and the wound was healing with each passing moment.
What is the mechanism behind this phenomenon?”I exhaled, gazing at him. “Are you a sorcerer?””I enquired with astonishment.”
Before long, the majority of my wounds had entirely healed, and the accompanying pain dissipated.
He laughed softly.
“Something akin to that,” he remarked while he cleaned his hands on his shirt.
“Does your blood possess healing properties?””I enquired.”
“Evidently,” he remarked, his tone playful.
Before I could pose additional enquiries, I heard the primary doors of the prison opening and subsequently closing. I tensed, apprehensive that it was Jack returning to inflict further distress upon me.
However, it was not.
Instead, it was an unfamiliar man; or at least, I believe I did not recognise him. He was tall, yet his face remained obscured by a mask.
He approached the elderly man’s cell directly, and for a brief moment, I feared he might inflict harm upon him. However, the elderly man appeared unfazed by his presence; rather, he seemed to express satisfaction.
“I am here to extricate you, sir,” the masked man stated, maintaining a formal tone as he spoke to the elderly gentleman.
